Bassia scoparia (syn.Kochia scoparia) is a large annual herb in the family Amaranthaceae native to Eurasia.[1] It has been introduced to many parts of North America,[2] where it is found in grassland, prairie, and desert shrub ecosystems.[1] Its common names include burningbush,[2]ragweed, summer cypress,[1]mock-cypress, kochia, belvedere, Mexican firebrush, and Mexican fireweed.[3]

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The seed of Bassia scoparia is dispersed by wind and water, and it is transported when the whole plant detaches and rolls on the wind as a tumbleweed.[1] The seed does not persist in the soil seed bank, dying within about a year if it fails to germinate.[1]

This plant is grown as an ornamental for its red fall foliage. It has also been useful in erosion control on denuded soils.[6] It has been suggested as an agent of phytoremediation,[6] because it is a hyperaccumulator of chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, zinc,[7] and uranium.[8] Kochia Scoparia contains higher levels of protein and oxalate than most grasses and fodder plants, thus it also serves as a good forage crop for livestock. When grown as ornamental plant, it is a good choice as evergreen foliage plant for landscapes.[9]

In Japan the seeds are used a food garnish called tonburi(とんぶり?) (Japanese). Because its texture is similar to caviar, it has been called "land caviar", "field caviar", and "mountain caviar". It is a chinmi, or delicacy, in Akita prefecture. The glossy, greenish black seeds are dried, boiled, soaked, and then rubbed by hand to remove the skin.